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Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Gift

If the word “ordinary” had a picture, it would be of my husband and I!!  We love peace, contentment and a stable routine.  Perhaps we are a bit a boring at times, but also some traits such as dependability, commitment, steadfast and faithfulness are formed through the ordinary, so it’s a good fit for us.

 
Last weekend was graduation and this year we have a graduate:

 
senior honor day 089

 
While discussing something special to do for his graduation, a peek into the plans of others included a cruise, family picnics, bbq’s parties etc.  None of these seemed like a good fit for us.  My husband thought of the idea of taking my son and some friends out to eat.  You can’t go wrong with boys if there is food involved!

 

 

 
graduation 015

 
We gathered up a crew of good looking boys…sat ‘em down and fed ‘em.

 



 
The restaurant is out in the country and overlooks a pond:

 



 
My husband shared with them some biblical truth from when Joshua was the appointed leader to Israel after the death of Moses.  Joshua took on a new position, led the people out of bondage into the promised land.  With the power of God’s Word in his heart, my husband shared that they too are beginning a new journey.  As Christians, they need to leave behind the bondage of sin and be aware of the dangers of looking back.  In their new role, with God’s help, they can be conquerors and overcomers as they daily choose Him. This encouragement to live a life pleasing to the Lord and receiving the promise of His blessings was truly an extraordinary gift. Material gifts can fade quickly, but the gift of the Word of God spoken is able to settle into their hearts and grow with them and challenge them through their lifetimes.  Following the sharing of words, he prayed with them, for God’s blessings, protection and promises to be fulfilled as they trust and obey Him. 

 


 
So even in the ordinary, God can move in extraordinary ways. 

 
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  II Corinthians 4:6-7

 
It's been a whirlwind week, but I found some time to reflect on the goodness of God and His gifts this week:

  • A son who has grown in wisdom and knowledge and completed high school.
  • Celebration with friends and family of this milestone.
  • New beginnings and a new chapter of life.
  • A husband and father who looks out for ways to bless and speak life.
  • The power of God's Word and His blessings.
  • The love and support from family and friends.
  • God's extraordinary ways that can flow through an ordinary life.
    •  
 

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 4, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Joyce, Thank you for sharing this story; it touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I would certainly not describe you as "ordinary," but I do see God working in you through ordinary situations to touch others in extraordinary ways. You are a blessing.
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 6, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Congratulations! It isn't only an encouragement when your kids go on for the Lord, it is a relief! :) Those years of praying, teaching, instructing, correcting.....when they fly on their own wings of faith there is such a release.

    Of course, the praying, teaching, instructing and correcting continues, but mostly from a distance and sometimes only through the Holy Spirit. You're reached a new step, as well, parenting an adult child.

    Loved the pics of the young men and their story. Gives me hope for the future generation of faith.

    MommaMindy.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete

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